Experts uncover how deep-sea fish can see in dark waters

NewsExperts uncover how deep-sea fish can see in dark watersWill Dunham Wednesday 18 February 2026 15:12 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverFish with 'human teeth' discovered in the deep oceanYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreGroundbreaking research has identified a novel hybrid visual cell in the retinas of deep-sea fish larvae, challenging the long-held understanding of vertebrate vision. These newly discovered cells combine the physical structure of rods, optimised for dim light, with the molecular mechanisms and genes typically found in cones, which process bright light and colour. The hybrid cells were found in the larval stages of three distinct deep-sea fish species – a hatchetfish, a lightfish, and a lanternfish – inhabiting the Red Sea. While the hatchetfish retains these unique cells into adulthood, the other two species transition to conventional rod-cone vision as they mature. This discovery suggests that vertebrate visual systems are more flexible and evolutionarily adaptable than previously believed, with potential implications for understanding vision across various species. RecommendedNew study challenges theory about deep-sea fish mysteryMore aboutFishJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next